Best Grilled Potatoes and More: Two Irresistible New Potatoes Recipes

There’s something magical about summer. The sun stays out longer, the air feels a little lighter, and there us tons of fresh, local produce that turns every meal into a celebration. For me, summer also means trips to my mom’s garden, where I’m lucky enough to gather some of the freshest, tastiest produce you can imagine.

One of my favorite things to harvest? New potatoes. Their buttery texture, thin skin, and fresh-from-the-earth flavor make them the highlight of so many summer dishes.

Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite ways to prepare new potatoes—and honestly, I can’t pick which one I love more! Whether you’re looking for a classic boiled preparation or a savory roasted option, these recipes celebrate everything that makes new potatoes so special.

What Makes New Potatoes Extra Delicious?

New potatoes are usually harvested in late spring or early summer. Unlike mature potatoes, new potatoes are picked before they’re fully grown. This gives them a thinner, more delicate skin and a creamy, almost buttery texture.

They’re lower in starch than other potatoes, which means they stay firm when cooked—perfect for boiling, roasting, or grilling.

One of the best parts about new potatoes? You don’t have to peel them. Their thin skin is tender and full of nutrients, adding both flavor and texture to your dishes. Plus, their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with fresh summer herbs and a touch of butter or olive oil.

When and Where to Serve New Potatoes

These recipes are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them at:

• Family Dinners: Both recipes are comforting and easy to prepare, making them a great addition to weeknight meals.
• Summer Cookouts: Pair them with grilled meats and veggies for a complete summer feast.
• Holiday Gatherings: New potatoes may scream summer, but these recipes are hearty enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas tables (you can usually find new potatoes in your local grocery store, even in the dead of a Canadian winter!)
• Potlucks and Picnics: Their simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors make them a hit at communal gatherings.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:

• Boiled Potatoes: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Roasted Potatoes: These can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to restore their crispiness.

Why Two Recipes?

When it comes to new potatoes, I simply can’t decide which preparation is my favorite. Both the boiled and roasted versions bring out different qualities of this seasonal treat. One is comforting and buttery, the other crispy and savory. Why choose when you can have both?

Recipe 1: Herb-Infused Boiled New Potatoes with Garlic Butter

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of perfectly boiled potatoes. This recipe takes a classic approach and elevates it with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon zest. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to serve at family dinners, summer picnics, or even as a side for a backyard barbecue.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds new potatoes, washed
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Place the new potatoes and sliced garlic into a large pot. Cover with cold water, ensuring the water level is about an inch above the potatoes.
   • Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
   • Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 12-15 minutes.
   • Drain the potatoes and garlic well, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
   • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the drained garlic slices back to the pot, sautéing until they become fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
   • Pour in the olive oil, stirring to combine with the butter and garlic.
3. Combine and Season:
   • Return the drained potatoes to the pot, gently tossing to coat them evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
   • Add the chopped dill, parsley, chives, and lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
   • Continue to toss the potatoes over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Serve:
   • Transfer the herb-infused potatoes to a serving dish.
   • Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Tip:

To ensure even cooking, try to select potatoes that are similar in size. If they’re uneven, cut the larger ones in half.

Serving Suggestions:

These potatoes pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted fish, or a crisp summer salad. They’re also a fantastic addition to any potluck spread.

Recipe 2: Garlic and Herb Roasted New Potatoes with Lemon Zest

If you’re looking for a way to bring out the natural sweetness and crispiness of new potatoes, roasting is the way to go. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for a casual dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds new potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • In a large bowl, combine the halved new potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
   • Toss the ingredients together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Roast the Potatoes:
   • Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, cut side down.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Cooking Tip:

For extra crispy potatoes, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the potatoes plenty of space to roast evenly.

Serving Suggestions:

These roasted potatoes are a match made in heaven for grilled steak, baked chicken, or even as part of a veggie platter. They’re also a crowd-pleaser at picnics or summer parties.

Recipe Variations

Want to customize these recipes? Here are some ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the roasted potatoes for a spicy twist.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle Parmesan or crumbled feta over the potatoes before serving.
• Herb Substitutions: Swap out dill for basil or parsley for cilantro to change up the flavor profile.
• Citrus Swap: Replace lemon zest with lime or orange zest for a different citrus note.

Final Thoughts

New potatoes are a summer treasure, and these two recipes showcase their versatility and natural flavor. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home or hosting a lively summer barbecue, these dishes are guaranteed to impress. So grab some fresh new potatoes (bonus points if they’re from your mom’s garden!) and give these recipes a try. Your taste buds will thank you.